Images of the production BMW i3 have leaked online ahead of a planned debut next week.

The images show the i3 in full production form. Previously we have only seen the i3 with camouflague, most recently around the front light clusters. Earlier this week we learnt that the i3 will cost from £25,680 for the full electric version when it goes on sale at the end of this month. That price includes the governent's £5000 electric vehicle grant.

Buyers can also lease an i3 with a deposit of £2995 and 36 monthly payments of £369. Autocar has already driven a late prototype of the car.

The electric i3 is powered by a synchronous electric motor producing 168bhp. It has a top speed of 93mph. Carbonfibre-reinforced plastic has been used for most of the body structure, which rides on a chassis made of almost pure aluminium. The car is based around BMW's 'Life Module' concept.

No prices have yet been announced for the more powerful range-exender version of the car - although it is expected to command a significant premium.

The first deliveries of the i3 are expected to be completed by the end of the year, while the other car in BMW's i-range, the i8, is also nearing completion.

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At least all those A2 owners will suddenly find ther 10 year old cars looking incredibly contemporary.

(Not sure about the two tone bonnet and boot, either. I wonder if it's an option? If not, I expect to see a lot of black i3s being ordered. Well, this is a BMW, so it's probably the default choice anyway.)

The Audi A2, even second hand is still the thinking mans urban car ( I never write city car as there should be no cars in a city , like London), just get a 4 seater diesel. The new BMW looks to much like a games console on wheels.

The Audi A2, even second hand is still the thinking mans urban car ( I never write city car as there should be no cars in a city , like London), just get a 4 seater diesel. The new BMW looks to much like a games console on wheels.

Games consoles are very popular though - I think is going to appeal to lots of people who are technology enthusiasts rather than petrolheads. Nevertheless, it looks like it might be great fun to drive.

....... most of it actually. Black bodywork looks odd with side panels in another colour - why bother with anything other than an all black car ? Knowing BMW that will doubtless be an expensive option..........

I do like the uncluttered interior and the dash - will all those important switches on the left of the assymetric centre console etc, that are within easy reach of the driver in left-hand drive form, be transferred for a right-hand drive driver with an equally assymetric layout in mirror form - doubt it somehow ?

I don't really see the point of this car when there are other similar sized electric or hybrid vehicles around that just don't look so wilfully odd - but I gues there will be plenty of mugs .... sorry 'discerning buyers' ...... who will pay out the dosh just because its a BMW.